Let me first say that I had a blast in Atlanta and enjoyed every minute of it (even the last minute of the 1000), so this list is somewhat tongue in cheek:
10. No Starbucks within walking distance of the Hampton Inn.
9. The taste of an Italian soda called "Beverly" at the Coca Cola Museum; it reminded me of viscous lidocaine--what is with that?
8. The stairway access to the pool deck from the stands.
7. Missing out on a medal in the 200 free relay because eight of the teams finishing ahead of us were from "regional" clubs representing entire states.
6. Two swimmers from TXLA trying to recruit my 87 year old father to join their team instead of swimming for Nitro.
5. No Starbucks within walkiing distance of the pool.
4. Turning at the bulkhead, although I nailed all of mine.
3. That one starter who shall remain nameless.
2. Not getting to meet Rich Abrahams, among others.
1. It ended.
I don't think it's a forgone conclusion that a 2,000 swimmer Nationals is too big. I think bigger is better--up to a point--and 2,000 is probably right around that point for most facilities. I really don't think any of the suggestion Stud made would be an improvement. The status quo is fine with me. If attendance continues to climb then it would be time to think about changes, but for now I think the current format is good (with the caveat that I wasn't at Atlanta).
I don't think it's a forgone conclusion that a 2,000 swimmer Nationals is too big. I think bigger is better--up to a point--and 2,000 is probably right around that point for most facilities. I really don't think any of the suggestion Stud made would be an improvement. The status quo is fine with me. If attendance continues to climb then it would be time to think about changes, but for now I think the current format is good (with the caveat that I wasn't at Atlanta).
